Deuteronomy 11:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 11:28
28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 11 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, love, wisdom. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 11:28
28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Analysis
The curse is the alternative: 'a curse, if ye will not obey...but turn aside out of the way...to go after other gods, which ye have not known.' The condition inverts verse 27: disobedience, specifically idolatry, triggers curse. The phrase 'turn aside out of the way' (sur min-haderek, סוּר מִן־הַדֶּרֶךְ) means departing from God's path. The Hebrew derek (דֶּרֶךְ, 'way') represents lifestyle and conduct (see Psalm 1:6). Following 'other gods' constitutes covenant violation deserving curse. The phrase 'which ye have not known' emphasizes these gods' foreign, alien character—Israel had experienced Yahweh's faithfulness; abandoning Him for unknown gods is ultimate folly and ingratitude.
Historical Context
This warning proved prescient. Judges records repeated apostasy: 'they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth' (Judges 2:13). Both kingdoms eventually fell to idolatry: Northern Kingdom's golden calves and Baalism led to Assyrian exile (722 BC); Judah's high places and foreign gods led to Babylonian exile (586 BC). The covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28:15-68 were literally fulfilled in exile horrors. Apostasy's consequences validate God's warning.
Reflection
- What modern 'other gods' (money, pleasure, success, ideology) tempt believers away from exclusive devotion to Christ?
- How does ingratitude (abandoning the God who saved you for unknown alternatives) characterize apostasy?
- What warning signs indicate we're 'turning aside out of the way' before complete apostasy occurs?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Word: Galatians 3:10